DET Introduces Secondary Camera Requirement

Now you will need two cameras to take the Duolingo English Test. DET has introduced a secondary camera requirement to enhance test security and raise the credibility of test. The additional camera records the computer screen and keyboard during the test, providing an extra layer of monitoring. 

For students planning to pursue higher education abroad, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has become a trusted option for demonstrating English proficiency. Recognized for its convenience, affordability, and widespread acceptance by over 5,500 universities across 100 countries, the DET offers a flexible alternative to traditional exams like IELTS or TOEFL, allowing you to take the test from the comfort of your home.

To raise the integrity of the Duolingo English Test, the DET is introducing a secondary camera requirement for test-takers. This additional security measure is designed to enhance the credibility of students’ test results, ensuring greater trust from academic institutions.

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Why the Secondary Camera?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) now requires the use of a phone as an additional camera. The phone records the test takers’ computer screens and keyboards, providing a second layer of monitoring, and ensuring the test taker’s environment complies with the rules. Here’s why it’s important:

• By providing additional observational data, the new system helps proctors make more informed decisions about test validity.
• The additional monitoring discourages rule violations, creating a level playing field for all test-takers.
• It shows institutions that test takers are following all the guidelines, making test results more credible.

List of Requirements for DET

• A laptop or computer: which will be the primary camera & device
• A fully charged smartphone with a camera: which will be the secondary camera
• A reliable internet connection
• A well-lit, quiet room
• Passport for ID proof
• A stable object to prop up your phone
• A phone charger (optional, but recommended)

Related Pages:

How Does It Work?

The process is simple: The test taker uses their smartphone as a secondary camera to capture the computer screen and keyboard during the test. Here’s a quick setup guide for you:

• Open the DET desktop app and sign in.
• Follow the prompts to set up the phone.
• Scan the QR code with the phone's camera, not another app.
• Make sure the phone is fully charged. Tip: The phone can be plugged into a charger throughout the test to help ensure the battery doesn't die.
• Turn on Do Not Disturb (DND) mode on the phone, ensuring no contacts can bypass this setting. Receiving notifications during the test could invalidate the session.
• Allow the desktop app access to the phone's camera.
• Lean the phone against a heavy object to the left or right of the computer. Placing it horizontally will provide the most stability.
• The phone's video feed will be displayed on the computer screen during the setup.
• Adjust the phone until both the screen and keyboard are fully visible and within the frame. Positioning the phone slightly to the side and behind the test taker may be necessary for optimal visibility.

Remember: Do not close the phone's browser window or interfere with the secondary camera recording. To ensure a valid result, the phone must continuously record and face your computer throughout the entire test. The recording will stop automatically when your test session ends. 

Why This Update Is Good for DET Test Takers

The DET continues to stand out as being the most accessible and affordable English Proficiency Test, and this security update strengthens those advantages:

• Accessibility: The test can be taken from anywhere, no need to visit a testing centre.
• Affordability: The DET remains a budget-friendly option compared to IELTS or TOEFL. Less than INR 5500
• Innovation: The secondary camera setup ensures the test is more secure, which in turn helps build trust with academic institutions.

By introducing the secondary camera requirement, the Duolingo English Test ensures that the test experience remains secure, credible, and trusted by academic institutions worldwide. With the DET’s continued commitment to accessibility, affordability, and innovation, test takers can focus on what truly matters: showcasing English proficiency and taking the next step toward their academic journey.

About the Author

The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam. The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results are certified within two days, and they can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions.